Basketball hoops connect deputies and Hillsborough community in positive way

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Hillsborough County deputies got the chance to play man-to-man b-ball with local kids Sunday.

It was part of the first HCSO Cops and Kids Basketball Block Party at Sandy Perrone Park to encourage community involvement with law enforcement. Local residents were invited to enjoy free food, listen to music and show off their skills on the court. Deputies tell us these events give them the chance to interact with the community in a positive way.

"Their parents have been to jail - or we're going out to their house because they're calling 911. There is always a negative reason why were there. So we're trying to show them that 'Hey, there's positive interactions that can be held with police'," said Charity Arthur with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The Basketball Cop Foundation's mission is to connect law enforcement agencies across the county with kids in the community. Agencies will be supplied with sports equipment. Patrol deputies will then donate the equipment o kids in their communities. The hope is to open the door to new relationships and give patrol deputies a place to interact with kids on a regular basis and continue to build relationships.

Event organizers hope to throw more block parties throughout the year.